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Top Colleges in Australia

Discover top universities and criteria for selection.

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Top Colleges in Australia

An Insight into the Top Colleges in Australia

Australia has earned the title of the second-best country in the world for its quality of life. The country's education system, steady economic growth, and standard of living add more feathers to its crown. With many world classes, colleges, and universities, the country has become one of the most preferred study-abroad destinations.

Students picking Australia for their study abroad destination can prepare to experience top-class infrastructure, quality medical and healthcare facilities, advanced transportation, and affordable housing. But where do you start when it comes to studying abroad? You check the universities, right?

Universities like the University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, and the University of Sydney are highly ranked in the world. You can be assured of getting the best education if you get admission to any of the top universities in Australia.

Some of you might wonder why choosing a top college is so important. Here's an answer:

  • Top colleges guarantee proper education
  • The degree will be globally recognised
  • You can get a good job once you pass out of a top college

With these things in mind, let’s dig deep into the criteria for ranking top colleges and some information about the institutions that are well-recognised in Australia.

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Criteria for Ranking Top Colleges in Australia

There’s a need to understand how colleges are ranked and the factors that are considered for such rankings. Let’s take a look:

Factors considered in ranking colleges

There are several factors that are taken into consideration in ranking colleges. Times Higher Education evaluates a college on the basis of the following:

  • Teaching
  • Research
  • Citations
  • International outlook
  • Industry income

Apart from these, the governments rank colleges on the basis of the following:

  • Academic excellence
  • Faculty qualifications
  • Research output
  • Student-faculty ratio
  • Infrastructure
  • Industry collaborations
  • Placement

Now, how do organisations rank colleges? What are the methods they follow? Let’s take a look.

Methodology used by ranking organisations

Out of many college-ranking organisations, only a few have been trusted by all. Why so? One of the sole reasons for such choices is an organisation's detailed evaluation of colleges. While different organisations follow different parameters, the ones mentioned above are always taken into consideration. If you dig deep, you will understand how organisations do a quantitative analysis of each factor before sharing the results. Here’s how the factors are quantified:

  • Undergraduate academic reputation (22.5%)

Based on surveys of top academic peers

  • Retention (22.5%)

80% 6-year graduation rate

20% freshman year retention rate

  • Faculty resources (20%)

Evaluating 30% of classes with less than 20 students

10% of classes with less than 50 students

35% entails average faculty pay, additional benefits according to the cost of living

15% of the evaluation is on the number of professors with terminal degrees

Student-faculty ratio contributes to 5%

The number of professors working full-time contributes to 5%

  • Student selectivity (12.5%)

65% based on the standardised exams cut-off score

10% based on the acceptance rate

25% based on academic requirements of National Universities and Liberal Arts colleges

  • Financial resources (10%)

Completely based on the average spending of each student on studying

  • Graduation rate performance (7.5%)

Completely based on the difference between a school's six-year graduation rate and what has been predicted by the experts

  • Alumni giving rate (5%)

The rankings you come across on the internet are after a thorough analysis of each of the parameters mentioned above. Well-known organisations follow the method mentioned here to help students find the right colleges.

So, if you are planning to study in Australia, it is very important to know about the colleges that are the best in the country. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the list of top colleges in Australia.

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List of Top Colleges in Australia

The marine reserves, tropical beaches, and cute koalas have grabbed your attention. But will that be enough to make the decision to study in the country? Well, the answer is NO. You must begin by knowing about the top colleges in the country. If you are struggling to find the right list, sit back and go through this list here to get an idea and make an informed decision:

  • The University of Melbourne

Established in 1853, the University of Melbourne is considered to be the best in the country and is consistently among the top-ranked universities in the world. An institution that started with four professors and sixteen students now has a strong team of 8,000 academic and professional staff. Adding on, the university is home to more than 65,000 students, of which 30,000 are international students.

The university is ranked 14th in the world and offers a wide array of academic courses. You can pursue your Bachelor's, Master's, professional, and PhD courses at the university.

  • The Australian National University

Ranked 34 in the world, the ANU has been helping Australia rediscover itself since 1946. The university is known to have the most number of Nobel laureates in their team and their alumni. With support from more than 3,000 staff, students from Australia and around the world can pursue undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the university. The university is the only one from Australia in the International Alliance of Research Universities.

  • The University of Sydney

The institution firmly believes in allowing everyone to work on reaching their full potential with proper education. The university continues to help students from across the world to reach their full potential. It is ranked 19th globally and is known for offering the broadest range of disciplines. Further, the university lets students choose from 400 areas of study, thus allowing them to follow their interests, enhance their skills, and pursue internship and global exchange opportunities.

  • The University of Queensland

The University of Queensland is ranked among the top universities in the world, all due to its focus on teaching excellence. The university’s 311,000 graduates form a highly engaged network of global alumni with students from across 184 countries, of which more than 17,000 are PhDs. A founding member of the Group of Eight (Go8) universities, universities Australia member and a member of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities make the university better than many others.

  • The University of Western Australia

Located on the banks of the Swan River in Perth, the University of Western Australia enjoys a position in the list of globally acclaimed colleges in Australia. The innovative course structure and world-class research facilities continue to attract students from across the world. Ranked 92nd in the world by QS, the university deserves a spot on your list.

  • The University of Adelaide

Founded in 1874, the University of Adelaide has consistently been a great institution to study in. Presently, the university is home to more than 29,000 students and has 3,000 academic staff. The university is known to be the first to welcome female students in the country and offer business and science degrees to students. If you are willing to make an impact in the world, you must take a chance to get admission to the University of Adelaide.

  • Monash University

One of the universities that have shown rapid growth in a matter of 60 years, Monash University, has been on the preferred list for students willing to study in Australia. From a single campus to a presence in four continents, the university has grown in leaps and bounds. Ranked among the top 100 universities in the world, Monash University is a must on your list.

  • UNSW Sydney

The university has been ranked among the top 20 universities in the world thanks to its recognition from employers and organisations across the globe. The university is popular for offering hands-on and career-focused education to students. Graduates from this university have been among the most employable across the globe. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses to students in various disciplines.

These universities are popular among students across the globe. You must check with one of our consultants to understand the application process and prepare well to get admission to one of these universities.

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Programmes and Courses Available at Top Colleges

It is crucial to know about the courses offered by top colleges in Australia. Here’s a look into them all:

  • Nursing

Nursing is one of the most respectable professions in the country. Past few events have also helped the profession be in the limelight. Pursuing a nursing course in the country can be rewarding. With an average salary of $73,000 per year, licensed nurses are in high demand in the country. Further, you will have a lot of career options when you pursue the course in Australia.

· Computer science engineering

Computer science has always been in demand. Companies across the globe look for skilled programmers and technical experts. Australian universities have the best resources to teach students the various aspects of computer science. A computer science degree from one of the top universities in Australia will also help you pursue your entrepreneurial dreams. The tuition fees range between $30,000 and $35,000 per year. However, international students can apply for scholarships to meet their financial needs.

· Cyber security

Securing transactions online has been the talk of the town for a long time. With companies taking all measures to secure their online space, the need for cyber security experts is on the rise. Australian universities offer specialised courses in cyber security. The course can secure your future and offer high-paying jobs in the country. You can choose from network security, digital forensics, ethical hacking, information security and policy governance courses.

· Automotive

Automotive is a course that is gaining popularity among students studying in Australia. You will be able to learn more about the issues affecting your vehicles and the best ways to solve them. You can apply for a certificate course for a master's degree in automotive. Many students wonder if the course can secure their future. You can be assured of a great future after you finish your automotive course. There’s a huge demand for automotive engineers in Australia.

· Architecture

Consultants at AbroAdvice recommend students to apply for a course in architecture if they have a passion for designing. The country has quite a few jobs for architects, and the courses are internationally recognised. You will be taught the basics of architecture by industry stalwarts who have real-world experience.

· Bachelor’s in accounting

A Bachelor's in accounting will introduce you to various aspects of business. You will be skilled enough to report, analyse, and manage financial resources for businesses and the government. The top universities in Australia are well-equipped to help students learn all about accounting and have a promising future.

· Psychology

You can be assured of getting a job as a psychologist in Australia. The country offers loads of opportunities to students with a degree in psychology. While most of you feel that the subject is restricted to the job of a counsellor, there is more to it. Psychologists are in high demand in various industries such as sports, advertising, art therapy, and many more.

· Agricultural science

One of the unique courses, agricultural science, can also be a good option for students willing to study in Australia. You will be introduced to the various ways to boost crop yields, reduce the damage caused by insects, and many more things. Now one might wonder if that can help them get a job in the country. Australia offers a lot of career opportunities for agricultural science students. You can apply for jobs as an agricultural scientist, environmental consultant, environmental manager, and many more.

· Tourism and hospitality management

Australia is a great tourist destination. The country boasts of having a massive tourism sector. A course in tourism and hospitality management will open the doors to a sea of opportunities. Presently, the country is in need of more people in the sector, and the course will be a great one for students willing to study in the country.

No doubt, the country offers a lot of opportunities for students across the globe. But is it easy to get into one of the top colleges in Australia? Let’s take a look.

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Admission Process for Top Colleges in Australia

Most colleges in Australia are ranked highly in the world. You will face tough competition when you apply for a course in any of the colleges in Australia. But if you have the necessary scores, you will have an edge over others. On that note, let's explore the admission process in the country:

· General admission requirements

The admission requirements depend on the academic level you are looking for. Here’s an insight:

  • Applicants must score at least 60% in the class 12 exams to pursue a Diploma course in the country
  • A score of 65% in class 12 is necessary for students applying to Bachelor’s degree courses
  • For postgraduate courses, students need to provide their 3-year Bachelor’s degree certificate from a recognised university
  • You might have to provide proof of qualifications equal to an Australian Bachelor's degree in some universities or colleges

If you have the necessary qualifications, you can move ahead with the process.

· Application process and deadlines

The deadlines for submitting application forms depend on the semester you are applying to. Generally, the universities accept intakes two times a year, in February and July. For the February intake, you need to complete the application process between October and November of the previous year. On the other hand, for July intake, you must complete the process between April and May.

Here's what you need to submit along with your application form:

  • Class 12 or graduation degree certificates, along with the mark sheets
  • Scorecards for GMAT and IELTS
  • For courses like MBA or Doctoral degrees, you must submit valid work experience letters
  • You must attach a Statement of Purpose
  • A Letter of Recommendation is equally important in the process

You can ask one of our consultants to help you with the process.

· Entry exams and English proficiency requirements

If you are willing to study in Australia, you have to prove your English proficiency. While the cut-off scores might vary from one university to another, here’s what is expected in general:

  • IELTS: 6.0-6.5 (less than 5.5 and 6.0 is not accepted)
  • TOEFL: 60-90 overall score
  • CAE: 169-176 overall score is necessary
  • PTE Academic: 50-64 overall score

AbroAdvice can help you prepare for these tests and ace them. Contact one of our consultants for the right support.

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

Studying in Australia might be cheap compared to other countries, but it is difficult to manage the finances without some help. The Australian government offers various scholarships and financial aid to international students to help them with the process. Here's an insight into the scholarships and grants, the application process, and financial aid options:

· Available scholarships and grants for international students

You can apply for scholarships in Australia if you are eligible. Here are some of the common scholarships for international students:

  • Australian Government Research Training Programme Scholarships
  • Destination Australia
  • The Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)
  • Education Provider Scholarship
  • John Allwright Fellowship (JAF)
  • Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship

While there are opportunities, you must be aware of the ways to apply for these scholarships and grants.

· Criteria and application process for scholarships

The criteria for applying to any scholarship in Australia vary. However, there are a few things that are common across all, such as:

  • A valid student visa
  • A score of 75% minimum in the previous academic level is crucial
  • Proof of attending a regional university in Australia
  • A score of 6.5 in IELTS or 78 in TOEFL, or 58 in PTE is necessary
  • Must provide evidence of accommodation in any area in the country

You can ask one of our consultants to help you find the right scholarship programme and prepare to get the necessary help.

· Financial aid options and resources in Australia

The various scholarships offer the right assistance to manage finances. You can also look for financial aid or loans to study in the country. There are a few options in the country, but it is wise to get things done before you pack your bags.

AbroAdvice can provide end-to-end support with the entire process of applying to universities in Australia.

Campus Facilities and Resources

The top colleges in Australia have the right facilities and resources for students pursuing a course. You can access libraries, labs and sports facilities while on the campus. The state-of-art facilities make the colleges better than many others and the country, the most preferred one among international students.

In addition, students can avail the necessary assistance and academic counselling sessions to be the best in their fields. The colleges have gained popularity, thanks to all these facilities apart from world-class faculty and the top courses.

Hire one of our consultants to get the right assistance and move ahead in the competition.

Student Life and Extracurricular Activities

Life at any Australian university cannot be compared to any other institution in the world. From access to various clubs and societies, cultural activities and community engagement, you have it all at Australian universities.

· Student clubs and organisations

You will come across many clubs in universities in Australia. Pursue your area of interest and join clubs to have a great journey in the country. Sports, music, culture and politics, books, food, entertainment, film, and academic clubs are common in all colleges and universities in Australia.

· Social and cultural activities

In Australia, every day is a celebration. Common events and festivals keep students engaged throughout the year. The events help students meet people from various cultural backgrounds and have a great experience.

· Opportunities for community engagement

The various events help students know about other cultures and understand them. Also, you get to know the Australian culture when you participate in social events.

AbroAdvice can help you take the step to experience all these things. Drop a mail to get in touch with us today!

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Frequently Asked Questions on Top Colleges in Australia

The top colleges in Australia for specific disciplines are:

· The Australian University: Anthropology, Philosophy, Geography, Politics

· The University of Melbourne: Economics, Anatomy and Physiology, Arts and Humanities, Business Management

· The University of Sydney: Civil and Structural Engineering, Architecture and Built Environment, Accounting and Finance, Communication and Media Studies

· The University of New South Wales: Mineral and Mining Engineering, Civil and Structural Engineering, Law, Petroleum Engineering, Accounting and Finance, Environment Science

· The University of Queensland: Sports-Related subjects, Mineral and Mining Engineering, Environmental Science, Education

Australia is known for welcoming international students and is presently one of the top study-abroad destinations. You have to check the eligibility criteria and prepare well to get admission to one of the top colleges in Australia. If you have a good academic record and good scores on English proficiency tests, you can go ahead to apply to colleges in Australia.

The tuition fees for international students depend on the university and the programme they choose. An average of AUD 20,000-45,000 per year, the tuition fee for Bachelors’ and Postgraduate, and Ph.D. degrees will be around AUD 22,000-50,000 per year.

You have to follow these steps to get a student visa to study in Australia:

· Get evidence of English language proficiency

· Apply and get a Confirmation of Enrolment from an education provider in Australia

· Create an account with Australian immigration authorities

· Complete visa application online

· Pay the fee and get TRN-number

· Complete your health check-up and interview process

· Get visa decision

· Pack your bags and prepare to travel to Australia

If you have an Australian student visa, you can work for more than 40 hours a fortnight per semester. The country allows students to work for more hours without any restrictions when they have semester breaks.

According to the 2022-2023 Best Global Universities, the best Australian institutions for higher education are as follows:

  • University of Melbourne
  • University of Sydney
  • University of Queensland
  • Monash University
  • University of New South Wales Sydney
  • Australian National University
  • University of Adelaide
  • University of Western Australia
  • University of Technology Sydney
  • Curtin University

List of top-ranked universities in Australia that accept PTE:

  • University of Melbourne, Melbourne
  • Monash University, Melbourne
  • The University of Queensland, Brisbane
  • The University of Sydney, Sydney
  • Australian National University, Canberra
  • University of New South Wales, Sydney
  • University of Adelaide, Adelaide
  • University of Western Australia, Perth
  • University of Technology Sydney, Sydney
  • Macquarie University, Sydney

The Australia University assessment department has a Web Evidentiary Tool that generates a list of mandatory documents for lodging study visas with the Department of Home Affairs. In usual cases, international institutions require proof of financial capacity, and the proof of language ability is level 2 or lower. 

Applicants can use the Web Evidentiary Tool to generate a document checklist to check the level of colleges in Australia. Generally, Australian colleges and universities require evidence of financial capacity and language ability. However, if no evidence of language and financials is asked, the assessment level of the college or university is 1. On the contrary, if the applicant is asked for proof of language and financials, then the assessment level of the institution is Level 2 or 3.

To apply for colleges in Australia:

  • Start the initial research in advance
  • Shortlist your preferred courses
  • Appear for standardised tests like GMAT, GRE, and language proficiency tests likes IELTS/TOEFL/PTE
  • Apply for colleges
  • Gather necessary documents, such as:
  • Mark sheets
  • original transcripts
  • a copy of the syllabus of your previous course
  • a copy of your passport identification page
  • scorecard of standardised tests
  • evidence of language proficiency
  • SOP and LoR

Always double-check the list of documents accepted by your shortlisted Australian universities to avoid negative consequences.

Australia is one of the most sought-after countries for MBA. Here's a list of the top 10 MBA colleges in Australia according to the QS Global MBA Ranking:

  • Melbourne Business School
  • University of New South Wales (AGSM)
  • Monash Business School
  • MGSM Macquarie
  • UQ Business School
  • University of Western Australia’s Business School
  • Australian National University
  • UTS Business School
  • La Trobe Business School
  • RMIT University

List of best institutions for higher education in Engineering in Australia:

  • University of New South Wales Sydney
  • University of Technology Sydney
  • University of Sydney
  • University of Adelaide
  • Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)
  • Monash University
  • Curtin University
  • Swinburne University of Technology
  • University of Queensland
  • University of Wollongong

The best Australian institutions for studying law in Australia are listed below.

  • The University of Melbourne
  • University of New South Wales Sydney
  • Australian National University
  • University of Sydney
  • University of Queensland
  • Monash University
  • University of Technology Sydney
  • University of Wollongong
  • University of Tasmania
  • University of Adelaide

Australia houses top universities for arts and humanities. Here's the list of the top ten universities according to the US best global universities ranking:

  • University of Sydney
  • University of Melbourne
  • Australian National University
  • Macquarie University
  • University of Queensland
  • Monash University
  • University of New South Wales Sydney
  • Griffith University
  • Curtin University
  • La Trobe University

List of the best masters universities in Australia:

  • Australian National University
  • University of Melbourne
  • University of Sydney
  • University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney
  • University of Queensland
  • Monash University
  • University of Western Australia
  • University of Adelaide
  • University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
  • University of Wollongong

Australian universities with high rankings for computer science are listed below:

  • University of Technology Sydney
  • University of Sydney
  • University of Adelaide
  • University of New South Wales Sydney
  • Monash University
  • Australian National University
  • University of Melbourne
  • University of Queensland
  • Swinburne University of Technology
  • Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)

The top ten management colleges in Australia are:

  • University of Melbourne, Melbourne
  • The University of Queensland, Brisbane
  • Australian National University, Canberra
  • University of New South Wales, Sydney
  • University of Adelaide, Adelaide
  • Macquarie University, Sydney
  • Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane
  • Western Sydney University, Sydney
  • University of Wollongong, Wollongong
  • Griffith University, Brisbane

The best Australian institutions for a psychology degree are as follows:

  • University of Melbourne, Melbourne
  • The University of Queensland, Brisbane
  • University of New South Wales, Kensington
  • Monash University, Melbourne
  • University of Sydney, Sydney
  • Australian National University, Canberra
  • The University of Western Australia, Perth
  • Curtin University, Perth
  • Macquarie University, Sydney

The minimum IELTS score for Australia PR is 6.0, with at least a score of 6.0 in each of the four parts. This score level will show that you are competent in English, which is a crucial criterion for visa and Australia PR.

Here's a list of probable tuition fees for international students:

  • Bachelor’s degrees: between 20,000 and 45,000 AUD per year
  • Master’s and Doctoral studies: between 22,000 – 50,000 AUD per year
  • Living cost – between 1,3000 – 1,9000 AUD per month
  • Accommodation – between 440 – 1,700 AUD per month
  • Food – between 500 – 1000 AUD per month
  • Utilities – between 180 – 200 AUD per month
  • Internet – between 70 – 120 AUD per month
  • Transportation – between 30 – 70 AUD per month

NOTE: The tuition fees and living expenses vary by individual, university, location, and course.

Generally, bachelors in Australia take three years to complete. Students are given various course requirements and assignments throughout these three years. In some instances, the three years duration extends to four years.

Guidelines for getting a student visa:

  • Apply for your desired study program
  • Schedule an appointment at the consulate/embassy
  • Gather all the required documents (passport, visa application form, passport photos, admission proof, financial means proof, civil documents,  international student health insurance plan, and previous university records)
  • Pay the visa application fee
  • Attend your visa interview as scheduled

To describe the campus life at top Australian colleges and universities in one word – Amazing. Besides detailed orientation programs, you get the opportunity to participate in different communities, clubs, and student associations and engage in various individual and group activities. Furthermore, you meet students from diverse cultural backgrounds and explore their rich heritage.

Australia offers significant research opportunities to students across all academic disciplines. Per the Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) rankings, every one of the 49 universities in Australia is either 'world-class' or 'world-leading' in at least one research area. Australian universities work closely with the government and several reputed international research centres to foster international investment and collaboration. Pursuing higher studies and research at top Australian colleges will allow you to explore research training of the best quality.

Student Reviews on Top Colleges in Australia

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